Last night I had the chance to go and speak with a group of believers at CCF (see above). The Meeting was in reference to the church plant, and I was asked to share about who I am, how God called me to church planting, and even how we could partner going forward.
It is an unusual thing, unfortunately, for churches of different denominations to come together to look at these kinds of issues together. But what a rush. From the first person "J" who showed me into the meeting, and wasn't satisfied with a handshake, but insisted on a hug; to the warm questions and hands that they laid on me to pray for God's blessing. What a wonderful experience.
I told my story. (Corie lamented it when I came home and told her. I said, "I never get tired of hearing this story.) They asked some good questions looking ahead to when they'll launch a new church. 1. How long from inception does a new church take to launch, 2. what are needs of a new church, etc.
Another highlight of the evening was to come home and find that my small group was still at my house, just hanging out and wanted to know about my meeting and how things went. What an encouragement.
Someone asked me a question. Thought I'd post about it. "What are we going to do for children?"
-- I believe children need age approriate teaching of God's word.
-- I have friends (successful children's ministers) who want to volunteer to train our children's workers.
-- We are giving location thought to how to have a children's area.
-- Children are a high priority for us. Children will ultimately follow the same Vision Path as the rest of the church Large group, Small group, and prayer group. But I'll be relying on the heart of the adults God's bringing us to really put meat on the bones of what it will look like.
--Ben
3 comments:
I'm just excited to actually be the first person to leave a comment on one of these blogs! I typically read them a week at a time so I often get my thoughts in last. None-the-less, I am thrilled to hear about how the meeting went last night.
I too feel like it is a shame that different denominations can't find ways to work together on a more regular basis. One of the greatest things that I experienced in my first year as youth pastor at Christian Life Assembly here in central PA was a local network of youth ministries called The Youth Network. Denominational ties were left at the door when this group of youth pastors got together and it created a very healthy "community" of youth ministries in this area.
"same Vision Path as the rest of the church Large group, Small group, and prayer group."
You might consider contacting Duane Swanson. I'm sure he would be glad to give you input about "age appropriate" ministry and large/small/prayer groups.
I just talked with Pastor Noah. He said that last night's meeting was a blessing for them. His team was moved some to tears even. Praise the Lord. They're taking action in 4 areas, though final details are being decided:
1. They've commited to pray corporately, and personally for me and the new church.
2. They've decided to reccomend a surplus sound system be given to our church.
3. They want to participate in a special project when we define it.
4. They've decided to pledge monthly financial support starting in January of '07.
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